Machine for making matches.



No. 7l6,822. Patented Dec. 23, I902.

J. A. E. CRISWELL.

momma FOR MAKING MATCHES.

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Patantad Dec. 23, 1902.

J. A. E. GMSW ELL. MACHINE FOR MAKING MATH-IE8.

[Application filed May 21, 1901.)

(N0 Model.)

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means and the carrier for the splints, the separator and operating-levers being shown UNrrEn *rnrns ATENT OFF-1c JAMES A. EKIN CRISW'ELL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MACHINE FOR MAKING MATCHES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 716,822, dated December 23, 1902.

Application filed May 21, 1901.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES A. EKIN CRIS- WELL, of New York, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Making Matches, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to matchmaking machines, and more particularly to machines such as disclosed in my Patent No. 656,014, dated August 1 1, 1900.

One object of the invention is to provide simple and efficient means by which splints may be cut from strips, blanks, or cards of veneer and then moved bodily, and during such movement separated and forcibly inserted into suitable holding means in position for treatment to complete the matches.

A further object of the invention is to provide simple and efficient means by which splints are received in a single row and by a reciprocatory and rotary or swinging motion moved bodily and separated into a series of more than two independent rows.

The invention will be hereinafter more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and then pointed out in the claims at the end of the description.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section, partly in elevation, of one form of machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the cutting and the separating in dotted lines in position to stick the separated splints into the carrier. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly in section, of the devices shown in Fig. 2,-the backing-roll of the cutting means being removed. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the separator and operating mechanism in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional plan View of the separator members after the latter have been forced in position to divide the splints into independent rows, the section being taken on the line V V of Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section through the separator,showing in full lines the position of the separator members after the splints are separated and during the an in. 61,214. on model.)

sticking operation. Fig. 7 is a detailvertical section through a separator of substantially the same construction as that already referred to, except that the splints will be divided into four instead if three independent Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail end elevation of one of the members of the separator shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail plan view, partly in section, of the separator shown in Figs. 7 and 8 after the splints have been separated. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view showing how yielding devices may be arranged on the separator members or sections to initially hold the splints as they are received and before the latter are separated. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical section through a machine of substantially the form already shown, except that the separator is adapted to carry and force the separated splints into the holding means above the cutting device. Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11,

except that the carrier is adapted to move vertically through the machine. Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the carrier. Fig. 14 is a fragmentary section of adifferent form of carrier. Fig. 15 is a vertical section, partly in elevation, of a form of separator in which there are a series of independent separators instead of a single separator, the said section being taken on the line XV XV of Fig. 16; and Fig.16 is afragmentary section,partly in elevation, taken on the line XVI XVI of Fig. 15.

The frame 10 may be of any suitable form or construction, and projecting outward from the -upper portion thereof is a hopper 11, in which are placed the cards or blanks of veneer 12. -These cards or blanks are of the length and thickness of the splints and of a width sufficient to provide a number thereof, and said blanks or cards are forced inward through the hopper by a follower 13. The cards as they are forced inward rest against the face of an abutment-plate 14 and beneath a plunger 15. This plunger is secured to slides 16, that are adaptedto move vertically in the guides 17. The slides 16 are connected to the levers 1S, and these levers are secured at one end to the shaft 19. An arm 20 is loosely mounted on the shaft 19 and has a yielding connection with the levers 18, and projecting outward from the arm 20 is a shorter arm 21. The arm 21 is connected to a strap 22, that is operated by an eccentric on the shaft 23, and as said shaft is rotated the arms 19 and 20 and the levers 18 will force the plunger downward and at each reciprocation thereof Will force a card or blank of veneer to the cutting device 24.

The cutting device 24 may be of the usual or of any preferred form. As shown, it consists of a series of circular cutters 25, spaced apart the width of the splints and held to a shaft or spindle 26, and said cutters cut the cards into splints against a preferably metallic roll 27. The splints as they are cut will be forced downward between the guides 28 and 29, the plunger being slotted to assist in forcing the splints downward and to finally aline the splints. The invention thus far described is substantially identical with that disclosed in my patent hereinbefore referred to, and any or all of the parts may be of the usual or of any preferred construction.

As a means for separating or dividing the splints I provide a suitable separator 30. This separator may be variously constructed. As shown, the separator 30 comprises two members or jaws 31 and 32. Each member, jaw, or section of the separator is provided at each end with a stud or shaft 33, that is adapted to rock in vertically-movable heads or slides 34. The heads or slides 34 have a reciprocatory movement in the guides 35 on the frame 10 and are adapted to carry the separator members bodily therewith. The members 31 and 32 of the separator when in position to receive the splints are somewhat separated from each other to provide a common entering groove or channel 36, into which the splints are forced endwise in a single row and in a common plane from the cutting means. The members 31 and 32 of the separator are provided with fixed fingers 37,- each having abutments 38, and said fingers are adapted to intermesh and fit between each other to provide sockets 39 for the splints when the members are swung or moved toward each other to separate the splints into independent rows, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The members of the separator when in position to receive the splints lie in a plane at right angles to the plane of the card or the splints and when moved or swung on their pivots or studs 33 have substantially a book-like action. The fingers of the members at their inner ends are curved or rounded, as at 40, to engage the splints and gradually initially move and to separate them when the separator members are swung on their pivots. The studs or shanks 33 of the separator members have the arms or levers 41 fixed thereto or formed integrally therewith. The levers or arms 41 are provided with substantially L -shaped slots that engage the rollers or studs 42,which are held on the brackets 43, the latter being secured to the frame 10. The slides or heads 34 have the rods 44, pivotally connected to the lovers 45, that are adapted to rock with the shaft 46. The shaft 46 is journaled in the frame 10, and secured to said shaft is a short arm 47. This arm is connected to an eccentric-strap 48, which is operated by an eccentric on the shaft 23, so that as the arm 47, shaft 46, and levers or arms are forced downward the heads or slides 34 will be carried therewith, so as to move the separator members bodily. During this bodily movement of the separator members the arms or levers 41 in moving around their pivots 42 will close or swing the members 31 and 32 of the separator toward each other, so as to divide the splints into independent rows and during the further movement of the separafor will stick and force the splints into the holding devices 49 of the carrier 50. member 31 at its surface 51 is somewhat thinner than the surface 52 of the member 32 in order that it will not strike the row of splints previously inserted into the carrier, and formed as a part of the member 32 is an abutment plate or surface 53. This plate may be secured to instead of being formed as a part of the separator member 32 and is adapted to close the upper surface of the fingers 37 of the member 32 and take the thrust of and prevent the splints passing out of the sockets 39 while being forced into the carrier, a plate 53 being provided beneath the carrier or the holding means to take the thrust of the latter during the sticking operation.

For the purpose of holding the splints any suitable means may be employed. The carrier is provided with teeth 54, that are engaged by the gears 55. These gears are secured to a shaft 56, and the latter shaft is operated by suitable ratchet-and-pawl mechanism (not shown) or in any other desired manner, so as to successively present the holding devices of the carrier in position under the separator to receive the splints therefrom. The carrier plates or sections may be entirely independent of each other or may be linked or held together in the usual or in any preferred manner, and said plates or sections may have the matches completed either by hand or by the continuous process, as desired.

The main drive-shaft 57 has a suitable flywheel 58 on one end and is provided with a small gear 59. This gear 59 is in mesh with a gear 60 on the shaft 23, and said gear 60 is in mesh with the gear 61 on the spindle 26 of the cutter-roll. Instead of the mechanism shown for operating the several parts any suitable timing and operating mechanism may be employed. 7

The invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Assuming the parts to be in the position shown and the main drive-shaft 59 operated, the shaft 23 and the cutter-spindle 26 will be rotated therewith, and as the cards are forced by the plunger 15, as previously described, to the cutting mechanism the said cards will be cut into splints and will be forced by said The.

IIO

cutting mechanism and the plungers 15 into the groove or channel 36 between the members 31 and 32 of the separator 30. The separator will now be forced downward by the mechanism already described and through the arms or levers 41 will be swung or moved toward each other on their pivots, so as to divide the splints into independent rows and on further movement of the separator will stick and force the splints into the holding devices of the carrier. This operation is repeated, and the plates or sections as they are filled with splints may be taken and the matches completed in the usual manner.

It will be seen from the foregoing that simple and efficient means is provided whereby the splints may be readily separated and forced into the carrier and the separator members so arranged with respect to each other that they may be readily cleaned of any fiber or broken splints that may remain and which might possiblyinterfere withincomingsplints that are to be separated.

In Figs. 7, 8, and 9 the structure is substantially the same as shown in the other views, the only difierence being that there is an extra set or row of the fingers 62, so as to divide the splints into four instead of three independent rows.

In Fig. 10 the fingers 37 of each member of the separator are provided at their inner curved surfaces with spring or yielding fingers or devices 63. These fingers are adapted to yield when the splints are forced therein and are adapted to compensate for splints of varying thicknesses.

The structure shown in Fig. 11 is the same as in Figs. 1 to 6, except that the carrier moves horizontally through the machine above the cutting device, so that the splints when forced into the carrier will project downward in position to be dipped and headed without necessitating the carrier being inverted, while Fig. 12 is the same as Fig. 11, except that the carrier moves vertically through the machine.

In Fig. 14 the carrier plate or. section 64 has bushings set therein, into which the splints are adapted to be forced and held, the said bushings being provided with spring or yielding portions adapted to clamp the splints in substantially the same manner as described in my patent hereinbefore referred to.

The form of splints may vary according to the means employed for producing them, and by the word veneer is intended any material from which splints may be made.

Instead of feeding cards the length of the splints to the cutting device long blanks may be fed thereto and then the long splints out transversely by a second cutting device to form complete splints, these being cut, if desired, while held between the separatonmembers.

Itwill be understood that a blower,exhaust, or other suitable. means may be employed to remove any waste or dust that might collect in the separator members and that suitable locking and alining means may be employed to positively hold the carrier while receiving the splints from the separator.

The class of machinery herein shown and described is broadly claimed in my pending applications, Serial N 0. 7 37 ,186, filed November 16, 1899; Serial No. 45,044, filed January 28, 1901, and Serial No. 60,212, filed May 14, 1901, while the class of machine shown in Figs. 15 and 16 is claimed in my pending application, Serial No. 74,346, filed September 5, 1901.

In Figs. 15 and 16 the splints may be cut and fed to the separator in substantially the same manner as already described. In this case the cutting device instead of cutting the splints in avertical plane is adapted to have the cards fed thereto in any suitable manner and the cards cut into splints and the latter fed in a horizontal plane to the members of the separator 66, a stripping device or comb 67 being employed to prevent the splints from following the cutters. The separator 66 comprises four separate and independent sections 68, though this number of sections may vary, as desired. Each section is an independent separator of itself and has two members 69 and 70, of substantially the construction shown in the other views, each member being provided with gradually-developed fixed fingers or devices that at the proper time'are adapted to intermesh and separate the splints, as already described. On the shanks or studs 71 of one of the members of each section are secured arms or cranks 72. The cranks or arms are pivoted at one end to links or rods 73, which latter are pivoted at their other ends to levers 74. The levers 74 are pivotally held at 7 5 to the slides 76, and said slides are adapted to be forced radially in slots 77 of the wheels or spiders 78. The levers 74 have angular slots 79, which slots are adapted to engage rollers or studs 80, securely held to the wheels 78. The cranks 72, as will be seen, are secured to the shanks of one member only, and these shanks are provided with gears or pinions 81, that mesh with gears or pinions 82 on the studs or shanks of the other member, so that as one member is moved a like movement will be imparted to the other, though it will be understood that the members may be operated in any suitable manner. The slides 76 have ends or projections 83, that are adapted to move in annular grooves 84 in the stationary flanges or disks 85. The Wheels 78 are secured to the shaft 85 and as the latter is intermittently moved by any suitable mechanism the said wheels will carry the splints around after receiving them from a horizontal to a vertical position; The splints will not be separated into independent rows during this movement, but will be held in the position in which they were received.- The slides 76 in this position will be held by the bars 86. These bars 86 are held to reciprocate in the flanges 85 and are provided IIO of the sections.

with transverse grooves 87, that normally register with the annular grooves 84 of the flanges or disks 85 to permit the ends 83 of the slides 76 to ride into said grooves 87 of the bars 86. When the bars 86 are given a reciprocatory movement by any suitable mechanism, the levers carried by the slides in moving around their pivots or fulcrums 80 on the wheels 78 will force the members 69 and inward toward each other to cause the splint-en gaging devices to intermesh andseparate the splints into independent rows, as shown in dotted lines in the uppermost section of Fig. 15. During the movement of the members 69 and 70 inward to separate the splints into independent rows the splints will be carried toward a plate or transverse abutment-bar 88, against which the inner ends of the splints rest, the said bars 88 being carried by the slides 76. On further movement of the section the slots 79 of the levers 74, owing to their formation, will permit the slide to continue its movement without interfering or altering the position of the members of the separator-section and during this further movement of the slide will force or stick the splints into the carrier. The carrier in this case is not shown, but is adapted to move in a horizontal plane above the separator and may be fed to and through the machine in the usual or in any preferred way. By this means the splints will be carried away clear of the cutting means during the circular movement of the separator-sections and will separate and force the splints into the carrier during the reciprocatory movement The separator just described is not claimed specifically herein, as such structure is covered by a separate application filed by me September 5, 1901, Serial No. 74,348.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a reciprocatory separator comprising two pivotal members or sections movable toward each other and separating the splints into independent rows as they move toward each other, and holding means for the splints.

2. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a reciprocatory separator comprising two swinging members having fixed fingers movable toward each other and separating the splints into independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

3. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a reciprocatory separator comprising two swinging or pivotal members or sections movable toward each other and separating the splints into more than two independent rowsyand holding means for the splints.

4:. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a bodilyreciprocatory separator comprising two pivotal members having fixed fingers movable toward each other and separating the splints into more than two independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

5. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal members forming a common channel or groove between them and adapted to move or swing toward each other and to separate the splints into independent rows, means for operating the separator so as to move the members or sections on their pivots toward each other to separate the splints into independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

6. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal members forming a common channel or groove between them into which the splints are forced endwise and adapted to separate the splints into independent rows, means for operating the separator so as to move the members or sections on their pivots toward each other to separate the splints into more than two independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

7. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier for the splints, together with a bodily-reciprocatory separator comprising two members having fixed fingers movable toward each other to separate the splints into independent rows and which forcibly sticks the splints into the carrier.

8. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier for the splints, together with a separator having members provided with gradually-developed fixed devices fitting iuto each other and separating the splints into independent rows and forcibly inserting the splints into the carrier.

9. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier for the splints, together with a separator having members provided with gradually-developed devices movable toward each other to separate the splints into more than two independent rows and which forcibly sticks the splints into the carrier.

10. In amatch-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier for the splints, together with a reciprocatory separator comprising two members having fixed fingers fitting into each other and separating the splints into more than two independent rows and forciblyinserting the splints into the carrier.

11. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising pivotal members adapted to move or swing toward each other and to separate the splints into independent rows, means for operating the separator so as to move the members or sections on their pivots to separate the splints into independent rows, holding means for the splints, together with means for moving the separator bodily to force the splints into the holding means.

12. In a matoh-makin g machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising pivotal members adapted to move or swing toward each other and to separate the splints into more than two independent rows, means for operating the separator so as to move the members or sections on their pivots to separate the splints into independent rows, holding means for the splints, together with means formoving the separator bodily to force the splints into the holding means.

13. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator having two pivotal members provided with gradually-developed devices and between which the splints are forced and held endwise, means for moving the separator members toward each other so as to separate the splints into independent rows, and holding means for the splints. I

14:. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator having two pivotal members between which the splints are forced and held endwise in a plane at right angles to the plane of the members, means for moving the separator members toward each other so as to separate the splints into more than two independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

15. In a'match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator comprising two pivotal members having fixed fingers adapted to fit into each other to separate the splints into independent rows, means for swinging the members on their pivots to separate the splints, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

16. Ina match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator having two pivotal and swinging members providing a common groove between them and adapted to receive the splints endwise at an angle to the plane of the members, a carrier, together with means for forcing the swinging members toward each other to separate the splints and to stick the splints into the carrier.

17. Ina match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator having two pivotal swinging members provided with fixed devices on their faces and adapted to receive the splints between them, a carrier, together with means for forcing the swinging members toward each other to cause the fixed devices to divide the splints into more than two independent rows and to stick the splints into the carrier.

18. In amatch-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising pivotal and swinging members having fixed fingers adapted to fit between each other and to divide the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating and moving the separator bodily to swing the members toward each other toseparate the splints into independent rows, and to stick the splints into the carrier.

19. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising members having splintengaging devices along their faces and adapted to swing-toward and from each other and providing a space between them at an angle to the plane of the members into which the splints are forced endwise, a carrier, together with mechanism for moving the separator bodily and for swinging said members toward each other to cause the splint-engaging devices to divide the splints into independent rows, and to stick the splints into the carrier.

20. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal and swinging members having fixed fingers adapted to fit between each other and to divide the splints into more than two independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating and moving the separator bodily to swing the members toward each other to separate the splints into more than two independent rows and to stick the splints into the carrier.

21. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator having members provided with gradually-developed splint-engaging devices adapted to swing toward and from each other, said members providing aspace between them into which the splints are forced endwise, a carrier, together with mechanism for moving the separator bodily and for swinging said members toward each other to divide the splints into more than two independent rows and to stick the splints into the carrier.

22. In a match-making machine, the combination with aseparator comprising two memhers movable toward and from each other and having fixed fingers fitting into those of the other and dividing the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for moving the separator bodily to separate the splints and force them into the carrier.

23. In a match-makin g machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising independent members having fixed fingers and providing a space between them at right angles to the fixed fingers to receive the splints endwise and initially hold them, means for moving the separator members toward each other to divide the splints into independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

24:. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising pivotal members forming between them a common groove or chanand held at right angles to the plane of the members of the separator, means for moving the separator members toward each other to separate the splints into independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

25. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal members having fixed separating-fingers and forming between them a common groove or channel into which the splints are initially forced and held at right angles to the plane of the members of the separator, means for moving the separator members toward each other to separate the splints into more than two independent rows, and holding means for the splints.

26. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator comprising two pivotal or swinging members forming a common groove or channel between them into which the splints are forced endwise and initially held at right angles to the plane of the separator members, means for swinging the members toward each other to divide the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator members to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

27. In amatch-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal members adapted to swing or move toward and from each other and to provide a space into which the splints are initially forced and held, one of said members having a plate forming an abutment for the ends of the splints during the sticking operation, means for swinging the members toward each other in the plane of the splints to divide the latter into independent rows, holding means for the splints, together with means for moving the separator bodily to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

28. In a match-making machine,the combi nation with means for supplying splints, of a separator comprising two pivotal members adapted to swing or move toward and from each other and to providea space into which the splints are initially forced and held endwise, one of said members having a plate forming an abutment for the ends of the splints during the sticking operation, means for swinging the members toward each other in the plane of the splints to divide the latter into more than two independent rows, holding means for the splints, togetherwith means for reciprocating the separator bodily to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

29. In a match-making machine,the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator comprising swinging members adapted to receive the splints endwise between them and at right angles to the plane of the separator members, a carrier,together with means for forcing the swinging members toward each other to separate the splints and to stick the splints into the carrier.

30. In a match-making machine,the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator comprising two pivotal members having fixed fingers adapted to fit into each other and form sockets for the splints and to separate the splints into independent rows, an abutment-plate carried by one of the members adapted to close the sockets at one end, means for swinging the members on their pivots to separate the splints,'a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

31. In a match-making machine,the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator comprising two pivotal and swinging members forming a common groove or channel between them into which the splints are forced and initially held at right angles to the plane of the separator members, levers or arms fixed to the separator members and connected with stationary means on the frame so that as said members are moved they will also swing on their pivots to divide the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator members to stick and leave the splints in the carrier.

32. In a match-making machine,the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator having two members provided with gradually-developed splint-engaging devices along their faces and having studs or shanks and forming a common groove or channel between them into which the splints are forced and initially held, slides or heads in which the shanks or studs of the separator members are pivoted, means for swinging the members on their pivots toward each other to cause the splint-engaging devices to divide the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the members to stick and leave'the splints in the carrier.

33. In a match-making machine, a separator having pivotal or swinging members adapted to receive splints and provided with gradually-developed splint-engaging devices along their faces adapted to separate the splints, and means for swinging the members toward each other to separate the splints.

34. In a match-making machine, a separator comprising two independent pivotal or swinging members forming a groove between them which initially receives the splints endwise, said members having fingers along their faces, and means for swinging the members toward each other to separate the splints.

35. In a match-making machine, the combination of a separator comprising independent members which open and close with a booklike action and which receive the splints between the members while open and separate the splints as the members are closed, means for opening and closing the members, and holding means for the splints.

36. In a match-making machine, the combination of a separator comprising independent members or jaws which open and close with a hook-like action and which receive the splints between the members while'open and separate the splints as the members or jaws are closed, said members having rows of fingers along their faces each finger being approximately the width of a splint, means for merit-plate carried by one of the separator members, means for opening and closing the members to separate the splints into independent rows, and a carrier receiving the separated splints from the separator.

38. In a match-making machine a separator comprising two independent pivotal or swinging membersforming a groove between them which initially receives the splints endwise, said members having yielding devices along the groove to initially hold the splints,

and means for swinging themembers toward 30 each other to separate the splints.

J. A. EKIN CRISVVELL.

\Vitnesses:

WILLIAM FOSTER, JOHN G. PEARSE. 

